Backgrounder: PM Janjatiya Vikas Mission and the minor forest produce economy

The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission: what happened?

A tribal family collects honey, tendu leaves, mahua or lac from the forest. A trader buys it cheap at the village haat and sells it high in the city. The family gets a fraction of the value. PMJVM tries to change this by guaranteeing a minimum price and helping tribals process and sell the produce themselves.

• The backgrounder sets out how PMJVM moves tribals from raw sellers to value-adding entrepreneurs.
• Since 2013–14, states procured 2,67,954 metric tonnes of MFP worth ₹693.98 crore at MSP.
• Functional VDVKs reported sales of about ₹168 crore as on 31 July 2026.
• Most collection and sale is done by women, so the scheme helps tribal women’s financial empowerment.

What is the legal base for MFP rights?

• The Forest Rights Act, 2006 defines minor forest produce as all non-timber forest produce of plant origin, including bamboo, honey, lac and tendu leaves.
• It gives tribals rights to collect and sell non-timber MFP.
• PESA, 1996 gives tribal Gram Panchayats ownership rights over minor forest produce.
• TRIFED buys MFP at MSP through state implementing agencies, regardless of the market price.

How does a Van Dhan Vikas Kendra work?

• 15 SHGs of about 300 tribals form one VDVK; at least 60% of members must be STs.
• The Van Dhan Yojana, launched on April 14, 2018, is part of PMJVM and forms the base of the VDVK model.
• Each kendra gets processing tools, training for 30 members, working capital links (including NSTFDC) and storage support.
• Kendras sit near local haats; there are over 5,000 haats in tribal areas.

Which constitutional duty does PMJVM serve?

• Article 46 (Directive Principle): the State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections, in particular the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
• Fair prices for MFP directly address exploitation by middlemen.

What has PMJVM achieved so far?

How does produce move from forest to market?

1. Tribal gatherer collects MFP
2. Sells at MSP to state agencies, or joins a VDVK
3. VDVK processes, packs and brands the produce
4. TRIFED gives market intelligence and e-commerce links
5. Products sold at fairs, online and in exhibitions

Why does the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission matter?

What are the challenges in the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission?

• Of 4,172 sanctioned kendras, only 2,911 are functional so far.
• MSP procurement is small compared to the size of the MFP economy.
• Many haats still lack storage, shade and weighing equipment.
• Market links and working capital remain weak in remote areas.

What should be done next on the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission?

• Make all sanctioned kendras functional.
• Modernise haats faster.
• Expand GI tags and e-commerce for tribal products.
• Raise MSP procurement where market prices fall.

What can Prelims ask on the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission?

• PMJVM launched 2021-22; implemented through TRIFED.
• Van Dhan Yojana launched 14 April 2018; part of PMJVM.
• VDVK: 15 SHGs, about 300 members, at least 60% STs.
• MSP notified for 87 MFP items.
• PESA 1996: Gram Panchayats own MFP; FRA 2006 defines MFP.

How to write about the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission in Mains

Practice question (15 marks, 250 words): Minor forest produce is central to tribal livelihoods, yet tribals capture little of its value. How does the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission address this?

• Intro: 10.4 crore STs; 20% to 40% income from MFP.
• Problem: distress sales to middlemen.
• PMJVM: MSP for 87 items, VDVKs, skilling, markets.
• Legal base: FRA 2006, PESA 1996, Art 46.
• Gaps and way forward.